The following is a message from mama.

Ian didn't realize it, but tonight was his first experience with bullies. My sweet little boy is far too innocent to understand that these boys wanted to harm him.

We were at a play area and maybe Ian did something to set them off, but whatever it was, he had two angry little five year old boys fixated on him. They made threatening gestures and said they were going to "get him" but decided they couldn't just then because "his mom is watching". I waited to get involved, but when they surrounded him on the slide, I gave them a dirty look and simply told them to move it...despite my intense desire to kick some five year old ass. They continued to menace and I continued to make myself very known. When Ian was sitting on my lap and they came and stood next to us and shook their fists at us, I had had enough and went to speak with their parents.

Maybe the thing that bothered me the most was that Ian was clearly oblivious to their intent and yet they persisted. For a short time I wished that he understood and would stand up for himself. But I had to remind myself that his innocence allows him to transcend that situation. I'm glad he didn't understand...that he believes that the world is good. I have my angel who still wants me to kiss each one of his owies. Who really tries to do the right thing. And who wanted ten kisses before going to sleep.